I've seen people decry the amortization schedule before as if it's because there's some cabal of evil bankers in monocles twisting their mustaches and cackling

I've seen people decry the amortization schedule before as if it's because there's some cabal of evil bankers in monocles twisting their mustaches and cackling about how they're screwing everyone over. It's just how the math works out when you have a 360-payment loan for half a million dollars - there's nothing remotely sinister about it. Just like renting vs. buying there are times where refinancing to a lower rate will save you money in terms of total paid, and times where you may a similar or higher amount but will save in monthly payments. Like everything else you just need to do the math and see if it's worth the fees to get the new loan or not.